Wireless charging apparatus with controlled power level adjustment

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for controlled power level adjustment of a wireless charging apparatus. In one instance, the apparatus may comprise a charging module to radiate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly charge an electronic device in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus; and a control module communicatively coupled with the charging module to adjust a power level of the electromagnetic field, radiated by the charging module, in response to a determination of an environmental condition in relation to the wireless charging apparatus. The control module may be configured to receive information indicative of the environmental condition from multiple sources distributed between the apparatus and the electronic device, and make the determination based at least in part on the received information. The environmental condition may comprise a presence of human tissue in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field ofsensor-equipped devices, and more particularly, to wireless chargingapparatuses.

BACKGROUND

A variety of wireless chargers is commonly used to charge electronicdevices, for example user devices such as smartphones, tablet computers,“2 in 1” mobile computing devices, or wearable devices. Wirelesschargers typically include induction chargers, which use an inductioncoil (sender (Tx) coil) to create an alternating electromagnetic field.A mating induction coil in the user device (receiver (Rx) coil) takespower from the electromagnetic field and converts it back intoelectrical current to charge the battery of the user device. The twoinduction coils in proximity may combine to form an electricaltransformer. Greater distances between sender and receiver coils may beachieved when the inductive charging system uses resonant inductivecoupling.

Parameters of electromagnetic fields created by wireless chargers may besubject to certain requirements in order to conform to interoperabilitystandards and acceptable levels of user exposure. For example,international organizations such as Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP)and Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), among others, define requirementsfor interoperability such as the frequency of operation, magnitude offields, and power levels in wireless power systems. Regulatory bodies,such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) andInternational Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP), provideregulatory requirements for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) wavesand electromagnetic radiation.

Current solutions may include wireless chargers with coils designed suchthat the power transfer may conform to the power levels defined by thewireless power (i.e. A4WP and WPC) standards, while also meeting theregulatory limits imposed by the FCC and others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To facilitatethis description, like reference numerals designate like structuralelements. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by wayof limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless chargingsystem 100 incorporated with the teachings of the present disclosure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of at least partialimplementation of the wireless charging apparatus of FIG. 1, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus configured to begin a charge process bygenerating an electromagnetic field at a default power level, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus configured to begin a charge process bygenerating an electromagnetic field at an increased power level, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus configured to begin a charge process bygenerating an electromagnetic field at increased power level, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an example process flow diagram for determining a presence orabsence of an environmental condition in relation to a wireless chargingapparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an example computing device suitable to be configured as theapparatuses of FIGS. 1-7 in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques andconfigurations for controlled power level adjustment of a wirelesscharging apparatus. In accordance with embodiments, the apparatus maycomprise a charging module to radiate an electromagnetic field towirelessly charge an electronic device in proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus; and a control module communicatively coupled withthe charging module to adjust a power level of the electromagneticfield, radiated by the charging module, in response to a determinationof an environmental condition in relation to the wireless chargingapparatus. The control module may be configured to receive informationindicative of the environmental condition from multiple sources, such asvarious sensors or components distributed between the apparatus and theelectronic device, and make the determination based at least in part onthe received information. The environmental condition may comprise apresence of human tissue in proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, wherein like numeralsdesignate like parts throughout, and in which are shown by way ofillustration embodiments in which the subject matter of the presentdisclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B”means (A), (B), (A) or (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of thepresent disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (Aand B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

The description may use perspective-based descriptions such astop/bottom, in/out, over/under, and the like. Such descriptions aremerely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended torestrict the application of embodiments described herein to anyparticular orientation.

The description may use the phrases “in an embodiment,” or “inembodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same ordifferent embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,”“having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of thepresent disclosure, are synonymous.

The term “coupled with,” along with its derivatives, may be used herein.“Coupled” may mean one or more of the following. “Coupled” may mean thattwo or more elements are in direct physical, electrical, or opticalcontact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elementsindirectly contact each other, but yet still cooperate or interact witheach other, and may mean that one or more other elements are coupled orconnected between the elements that are said to be coupled with eachother. The term “directly coupled” may mean that two or more elementsare in direct contact.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless chargingsystem 100 incorporated with the teachings of the present disclosure, inaccordance with some embodiments. As shown, the wireless charging system100 may include a wireless charging apparatus 102, such as a powertransmit unit (PTU) comprising, for example, a wireless pad or otherwireless charging device configured to radiate an electromagnetic field104, to wirelessly charge an electronic device 150 (also referred to aspower receiving unit (PRU)) in proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus 102. In some embodiments, the wireless charging apparatus 102may include a charging module 120 configured to radiate electromagneticfield 104 using Tx coil 126 to wirelessly charge the electronic device150. The charging module 120 may include circuitry 124 to operate theradiation of electromagnetic field 104 by the Tx coil 126. The circuitry124 will be described in detail in reference to FIG. 2.

The wireless charging apparatus 102 may further include a control module130 communicatively coupled with the charging module 120 and configuredto regulate charging module 120 to adjust a power level of theelectromagnetic field 104, radiated by TX coil 126, in response to adetermination of an environmental condition in relation to the wirelesscharging apparatus 102, as will be described below in greater detail.The control module 130 may include a processor 132 and memory 134 havinginstructions that, when executed on the processor 132, may cause theprocessor 132 to perform tasks of the wireless charging system 100, someof which are described below in reference to FIGS. 3-7.

The wireless charging apparatus 102 may include other components 122necessary for the functioning of the wireless charging apparatus 102. Asshown, other components 122 may include a power supply unit 138 coupledwith a voltage regulator (VR) 140, and one or more ports 142, e.g.,communications interface(s) to enable the wireless charging apparatus102 to communicate over one or more wired network(s) and/or with anyother suitable device, such as electronic device 150. Other components122 may further include light sources (e.g., light emission diodes(LED)) 144, and the like. The above-listed components of the othercomponents 122 are described for illustration purposes only and are notlimiting to this disclosure. The other components 122 may include moreor fewer components than the ones described above, necessary forfunctioning of the wireless charging apparatus 102.

The wireless charging apparatus 102 may include wireless communicationsinterface(s) to enable the wireless charging apparatus 102 tocommunicate over one or more wired network(s) and/or with any othersuitable device, such as electronic device 150. For example, thewireless charging apparatus 102 may include a short-range communicationunit (SRCU) 136, such as near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth®communication device coupled with antenna 138.

Electronic device 150 may be any one of a number of PRU, and maycomprise a mobile device (e.g., a tablet computer, a smartphone, a1-in-2 computing device, and the like), a wearable device, or any otheruser device configured to accept wireless charge. Electronic device 150may include an Rx coil 152 coupled with a power supply module 154. Thepower supply module 154 may include various components configured toenable power provision to electronic device 150, including wirelesscharging capabilities for a power supply source (e.g., battery) 156. Forexample, the power supply module 154 may include a rectifier 158 coupledwith the Rx coil 152, one or more VR 160 and 164, power unit 161 to usethe voltage output of the VR to power other VRs and other functionalunits on the PRU 150, and charger controller 166 configured to controlpower supply of the electronic device 150.

The above-listed modules of the power supply module 154 are describedfor illustration purposes only and are not limiting to this disclosure.The power supply module 154 may include more or fewer modules than theones described above, necessary for functioning of the electronic device150. Further, the electronic device 150 may include various modules andcomponents necessary for functioning of the device 150, depending on atype of the device 150, which are not described herein for brevitypurposes.

The wireless charging system 100 may include one or more (e.g., aplurality of) sources configured to collect and provide informationindicative of an environmental condition that may be related to thewireless charging apparatus 102. These sources may include, but are notlimited to, various sensors and other components configured to detectconditions associated with the wireless charging apparatus 102 and/orelectronic device 150. The sources may be distributed throughout thesystem 100 in a number of different ways: some of the sources may bedisposed in the wireless charging apparatus 102 and others may bedisposed in the electronic device 150, as will be described below. Insome embodiments, the sources may be disposed either on the wirelesscharging apparatus 102 or electronic device 150.

In example embodiments shown in FIG. 1, the sources of information mayinclude: a camera 162, an infrared (IR) sensor 164, a rotational sensor166 (e.g., accelerometer or gyroscope), and/or a user interactiondetection component 168 configured to detect user activity associatedwith (e.g., user interaction with a user interface of) the electronicdevice 150.

In some embodiments, the sources of information may further include aproximity sensor 180 configured to monitor an environmental conditionrelated to electronic device 150 or wireless charging apparatus 102,such as the presence of user 190 (and therefore the presence of humantissue), in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus 102 orelectronic device 150, and to provide an output signal that indicatesthe proximity of human tissue to a respective device that is below athreshold distance, e.g., a distance that may be mandated by regulatoryagencies to be safe. The proximity sensor 180 may comprise a capacitiveproximity sensor configured to measure a change in capacitance (increaseor decrease). Proximity to the sensor 180 or touch of the sensor byhuman body, hand or finger may cause a change in the dielectric constantof the capacitor that may be detectable.

As noted above, the sources of information may be distributed throughoutthe system 100 in different ways. For example, the proximity sensor 180may be disposed in the wireless charging apparatus 102 as shown in FIG.1, to provide an output signal that indicates the proximity of humantissue to the wireless charging apparatus 102 that is below thethreshold distance, to the control module 130.

In some embodiments, the camera 162, IR sensor 164, rotational sensor166, and user interaction detection component 168 may be disposed in theelectronic device 150, as shown in FIG. 1, to provide informationindicative of user 190's presence to a sensor hub 170. The sensor hub170 may aggregate the provided information and submit the aggregatedinformation to an electronic device control module 172 (which inembodiments may communicate the aggregated information or inferredenvironmental conditions from the aggregated information to PTU 102). Itwill be understood that the user 190's presence may be detected in anumber of different ways. For example, the camera 162 may be turned onby the user 190, which may indicate user presence. The IR sensor 164 maydetect IR radiation change associated with the user 190's presence. Therotational sensor 166 may detect a motion of the electronic device 150,which may indicate the user 190's presence in proximity to theelectronic device 150. The user interaction detection component 168 maydetect user 190's interaction with the electronic device 150, such asinteraction with user interface components (not shown) of the electronicdevice 150. Information from at least one (or more, or all) of thesesources may indicate the presence of the user 190 in proximity to theelectronic device 150.

The electronic device control module 172 may be configured to collect,from the sources described above, via the sensor hub 170, e.g., on acontinuous or periodic basis, information indicative of theenvironmental condition in relation to the electronic device 102. Theenvironmental condition may be a presence of a user 190 (and thereforepresence of human tissue) in proximity to the electronic device 102.

The electronic device control module 172 may be further configured todetect a presence of the wireless charging apparatus 102 proximate tothe electronic device 150, and provide the collected information to thewireless charging apparatus 102 in response to the detection of thepresence of the wireless charging apparatus 102 proximate to theelectronic device 150.

The electronic device 150 may be configured to determine the presence ofthe wireless charging apparatus 102 in proximity to the device in anumber of different ways. For example, the electronic device 150 mayinclude a PRU SRCU 176 coupled with the control module 172, and furthercoupled with Tx analog module 174 (to conduct the analog preprocessing(like modulation and amplification) of the signal before feeding it tothe antenna) and antenna 178. Accordingly, the electronic device 150 maybe configured to detect the presence of the wireless charging apparatus102, e.g., via PRU SRCU 176 and corresponding PTU SRCU 136, and initiatea handshake procedure with (or respond to a handshake of) the wirelesscharging apparatus 102, and establish a communication link. In responseto the determination of the presence of the wireless charging apparatus102, the electronic device 150 may communicate information collectedfrom the sources disposed in the device 150 (e.g., 162, 164, 166, and168) to the wireless charging apparatus 102 via the communication linkestablished by PRU SRCU 176 and corresponding PTU SRCU 136.

It should be noted that sources of information indicative of theenvironmental condition are shown in FIG. 1 for illustration only andare not limiting the implementation of wireless charging system 100. Itwill be appreciated that any number or types of sensors or componentsmay be used in the wireless charging system 100 to detect human tissuein proximity to the electronic device 150 and ultimately to the wirelesscharging apparatus 102. For example, a microphone may be disposed eitheron the wireless charging apparatus 102 or electronic device 150 tocapture audio associated with the user 190, and a determination of theuser 190's presence in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus 102may be made accordingly.

The above-described distribution of sources of information throughoutthe wireless charging system 100 is described for illustrative purposesonly. In some embodiments, at least some of the sources, such as camera162 and/or IR sensor 164 may be disposed on the wireless chargingapparatus 102 in order to detect the presence of the user 190 (andtherefore the presence of human tissue) in proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus 102 that may be below a safety threshold. It shouldbe noted that for the proximity sensor to trigger, a safety thresholdmay be required. As described herein, even in the event of no triggerfrom the proximity sensor, the additional sensors, such as IR, camera,etc., may detect and trigger an indication of the presence of humantissue.

In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 180 may be disposed in theelectronic device 150 to provide an output signal that indicatesproximity of human tissue to the electronic device 150 that may be, forexample, below a user-to-electronic device threshold distance. Asdescribed above, this indication, alone or in combination withinformation collected from other sources of information disposed in theelectronic device 150, may be provided to the control module 130 of thewireless charging apparatus 102. The electronic device 150 may alsocommunicate to the wireless charging apparatus 102 information thatindicates a presence of the electronic device 150 in proximity to thewireless charging apparatus 102 (e.g., via handshake). The informationindicating the proximity of the electronic device 150 to the wirelesscharging apparatus 102, in combination with information indicating theproximity of human tissue to the electronic device 150, may serve as anindication to the control module 130 that a user 190 is in fact presentin proximity (e.g., below a safety threshold) to the wireless chargingapparatus 102.

The control module 130 of the wireless charging apparatus 102 may havehardware or software implementation, or a combination thereof. Thecontrol module 130 may be configured to receive information indicativeof an environmental condition in relation to the apparatus 102 (e.g.,the presence or absence of human tissue in proximity to the apparatus102) from multiple sources described above, and make a determinationabout the environmental condition, based at least in part on thereceived information. The control module 130 may be further configured,in response to this determination, to adjust a power level of theelectromagnetic field 104 radiated by the charging module 120 of theapparatus 102, to a desired power level, such as mandated power level.

For example, the charging module 120 of the wireless charging apparatus102 may cause the electromagnetic field 104 to radiate at a default(first) power level. The control module 130 of the apparatus 102 maydetermine, based at least in part on the received information, whetherthe human tissue is present in the proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus 102, e.g., that may be below a threshold (safe) distance. Thecontrol module 130 may further cause the charging module 120 to switchthe radiation of the electromagnetic field 104 from the default (first)power level to a second power level (different than default powerlevel), or to keep the radiation substantially at the default powerlevel, based at least in part on a result of the determination.

For example, the control module 130 may determine that the human tissueis present in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus 102 (e.g., ata distance that is below the threshold distance). In some embodiments,in addition to the above determination, the control module 130 mayfurther determine that human tissue is present in proximity to apparatus102 for a period of time that may be greater than an exposure timethreshold. Accordingly, the control module 130 may switch the radiationof the electromagnetic field 104 to the second power level that may belower than the first power level. For example, the second power levelmay be health-safe, e.g., within output signal power range mandated bygovernmental regulatory agencies (e.g., FCC or CE) for mobile devices,in order to reduce or eliminate the risk of bodily injury of the user190 of the wireless charging system 100 due to continuous exposure toelectromagnetic waves associated with the electromagnetic field 104.

In embodiments, the exposure time threshold and safe distance thresholdmay vary depending on the charging apparatus type, method of use, userpreferences, particular market segment, and other factors.

A reduction of the power level of the radiated electromagnetic field tomandated limits instead of shutdown of the charging process may mitigatethe effect of false triggering of the proximity sensor 180. It is knownthat proximity sensors may indicate a proximity event when there is noactual event (false positive). Empirically, false positives may occurmore often than proximity sensors' failures to trigger when there is aproximity event (false negative). Accordingly, the power level of theradiated field may be reduced to the federally mandated limits, toprovide for efficient charging of the electronic device 150.

In another example, the control module 130 may determine that that thehuman tissue is not present in proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus 102 (e.g., at a distance that is below the threshold safedistance). Accordingly the control module 130 may keep the power levelat a first (default) power level, or switch the power level to a secondpower level that may be greater than the first (default) power level.The latter case provides for boosting the charging of the electronicdevice 150 at increased power levels (“turbo charging mode”) in theabsence of proximity of the user 190 to the wireless charging apparatus102, enabling efficient charging of the electronic device 150.

As described above, the control module 130 may receive informationindicative of the absence or presence of human tissue in proximity tothe wireless charging apparatus 102 from multiple heterogeneous sourcesof information, including various sensors or components disposedthroughout the system 100 (not shown). The provision of information frommultiple sources may ensure robust (e.g., high-probability)determination of user (human tissue) presence or absence near thewireless charging apparatus. For example, the control module 130 maypoll the output signals from the sensors 180, 162, and 164, and userinteraction detection component 168 at least over the threshold timeperiod and determine respective statuses of the sensors based at leastin part on a result of the poll.

The control module 130 may be configured to make a determination as towhether human tissue is present in proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus 102, based on the information provided from the heterogeneoussources. For example, the control module 130 may resolve that humantissue is present in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus 102,based on information that may indicate the presence of human tissue fromat least one (e.g., just one) of available sources of information, whileother sources may or may not provide such indication. The process ofmaking a determination of a presence of the environmental condition inrelation to the wireless charging apparatus 102 is described below inreference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of at least partialimplementation 200 of the wireless charging apparatus 102 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with some embodiments. More specifically, the schematicdiagram of FIG. 2 illustrates at least portions of the charging module120 (e.g., circuitry 124) configured to operate the Tx coil 126 undercontrol of the control module 130. For simplicity purposes, likecomponents of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be enumerated with like numerals.

As described in reference to FIG. 1, the proximity sensor 180 may becoupled with a logic circuit, such as control module 130, to monitorsensor 180 status. The proximity sensor 180 may provide an output signalindicating the presence of human tissue, Proximity Sensor ServiceRequest (PS_serv_req), to the control module 130. The control module 130may sense the capacitance change by polling the output of the signalconditioning circuitry (not shown) that processes the output of theproximity sensor 180, such as for signal amplification, filtering noise,and the like. A status of the sensor 104 may be indicated by a state ofPS_serve_req signal (e.g., logical high or logical low). If the signalstate remains the same over a period of time (clocked by system clock asshown), the control module 130 may provide a signal sensor_OK to an ANDlogic gate 202, in order to control the gain of a power amplifier (PA)204 that drives charging current into the Tx coil 126 upon the receiptof the PS_serv_req signal from the proximity sensor 180. Another inputsignal to the AND logic gate 202 may be a PA_enable control signal.

In embodiments, the PA_enable control signal may be a function ofPS_serv_req. For example, if the proximity sensor 180 is in a workingstate, then the signal sensor_OK may be a logical high. When humantissue comes close to the proximity sensor 104, the sensor 104 maydetect a proximity event and issue a PS_serv_req signal. The proximityevent may be a presence of human tissue at an unsafe distance to thewireless charging apparatus 102. The active state of the PS_serv_reqsignal may be needed to disable the power amplifier 204. Accordingly,the PA_enable control signal at the input of the AND logic gate 202 maybe an inverse function of the PS_serv_req signal.

In the absence of a detection of a proximity event by the sensor 104over the time period below the threshold, the control module 130 mayissue a sensor_OK signal, to enable the passing of the PA_enable signalto the power amplifier 124. The PA_enable signal may control the inputcommunication signal PA_in to be amplified by the power amplifier 204,to produce an output signal PA_out that may drive the Tx coil 126.

For example, a change from a logical high state to a logical low stateof PS_serve_req (or vice versa) may indicate a detection of a proximityevent by the sensor 104. This control module 130 may send the signalsensor_OK to the AND logic gate 202, which in turn may gate thePA_enable signal. If no proximity event has been detected over the timeperiod above the threshold, the sensor_OK signal may gate the PA_enablesignal from passing to the power amplifier 204 and enabling provision ofthe PA_out signal to the Tx coil 126. The threshold time period may becounted by the control module 130 using, for example, a system clock,via a signal System Clk as shown in FIG. 2.

The PA_enable signal may control the power gain (e.g., charging current)provided by the power amplifier 204 to the Tx coil 126. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 2, the PA_enable signal, if gated, may shut off thepower amplifier 204. In the presence of human tissue, the change incapacitance of the sensor 180 may likely be higher than the thresholdcapacitance (ΔCth) that may be calibrated to a value that is prevailingin the absence of human tissue at maximum load. Accordingly, the changein capacitance as detected by the proximity sensor 180 may be due to thepresence of human tissue and not due to the increased load of a largerreceiving device (e.g., a notebook instead of a mobile phone). Wheneverthe change in the detected capacitance is higher than a threshold ΔCth,the control module 130 may turn the PA 204 gain low, thereby drivinglower current into the Tx coil 126. A reduced drive current into the Txcoil 126 may enable a maintenance of the electromagnetic wave exposureproduced by the Tx coil 126 below the regulatory limits. In general,reducing the power into the Tx coil may also reduce the radiatedelectromagnetic field including the magnetic field.

The control module 130 of the wireless charging apparatus 102 of FIG. 1may be configured to adjust a power level of the electromagnetic field104, radiated by the charging module 120, in response to a determinationof the presence or absence of human tissue in proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus 102, in a number of different ways. For example, apower level adjustment may depend in part from an initial power level atwhich the wireless charging apparatus 102 may operate the Tx coil 126.As described in reference to FIG. 2, the power level of theelectromagnetic field generated by the Tx coil 126 corresponds to acharging current provided by the charging module 120, under control ofthe control module 130, to the Tx coil 126. The examples described inreference to FIG. 1 referenced a first (default) power level and asecond power level, to which the first power level may be adjusted asneeded.

In some embodiments, initial power level at which a wireless chargingapparatus may begin to operate may be a default power level, e.g., apre-determined middle power level.

In some embodiments, the initial power level may be a reduced powerlevel, e.g., a level that is lower than a pre-determined middle powerlevel. The reduced power level may be a safe power level, e.g., a levelwithin the mandated power limits for the electronic devices as describedabove. For example, the wireless charging apparatus may be configured tobegin charging the electronic device at a reduced power level, based ona supposition that a user of the electronic device may be in proximityto the wireless charging apparatus and may be subjected to radiation ofthe electromagnetic field produced by the wireless charging apparatus.

In some embodiments, the initial power level may be an increased or“boosted” power level e.g., a level that is higher than a pre-determinedmiddle power level. For example, the wireless charging apparatus may beconfigured to begin charging the electronic device at increased powerlevel (referenced above as “turbo charging mode”), based on asupposition that the user of the electronic device may not be present inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate different examples of power adjustment processesperformed by a control module of the wireless charging apparatus inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus configured to begin charge process bygenerating an electromagnetic field at a default power level, inaccordance with some embodiments.

The process 300 may begin at block 302, at which the control module mayoperate the wireless charging apparatus to provide charging current atdefault level to the Tx coil of the wireless charging apparatus,enabling a default power level of electromagnetic field generated by theTx coil.

At decision block 304, the control module may determine whether userpresence in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus has beendetected. As described in reference to FIG. 1, the control module maydetermine whether the user (human tissue) has been present in proximityto the wireless charging apparatus for a period of time that is greaterthan a threshold time period.

If the user presence has not been determined, at block 306 the controlmodule may cause the charging current to increase, enabling a turbocharging mode of the wireless charging apparatus. If the user presencehas been determined, at block 308 the control module may reduce thecharging current to enable a safe power level of the electromagneticfield generated by the Tx coil of the wireless charging apparatus.Subsequently, the process 300 may return to decision block 304, toinitiate the user presence determination, e.g., after a determined timepasses from the power level adjustment performed at blocks 306 or 308.

FIG. 4 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus configured to begin a charge process bygenerating an electromagnetic field at an increased power level, inaccordance with some embodiments.

The process 400 may begin at block 402, at which the control module mayoperate the wireless charging apparatus to provide charging current atan increased level to the Tx coil of the wireless charging apparatus,enabling a turbo charging mode of the wireless charging apparatus.

At decision block 404, the control module may determine whether userpresence in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus has beendetected. As described in reference to FIG. 1, the control module maydetermine whether the user (human tissue) has been present in proximityto the wireless charging apparatus for a period of time that is greaterthan a threshold time period.

If the user presence has not been determined, the process 400 may returnto decision block 404, to initiate the user presence determination,e.g., after a determined time period. If the user presence has beendetermined, at block 406 the control module may reduce the chargingcurrent to enable a safe power level of the electromagnetic fieldgenerated by the Tx coil of the wireless charging apparatus.Subsequently, the process 400 may return to decision block 404.

FIG. 5 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus configured to begin a charge process bygenerating electromagnetic field at increased power level, in accordancewith some embodiments.

The process 500 may begin at block 502, at which the control module mayoperate the wireless charging apparatus to provide charging current at areduced level to the Tx coil of the wireless charging apparatus,enabling a safe charging mode of the wireless charging apparatus.

At decision block 504, the control module may determine whether userpresence in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus has beendetected. As described in reference to FIG. 1, the control module maydetermine whether the user (human tissue) has been present in proximityto the wireless charging apparatus for a period of time that is greaterthan a threshold time period.

If the user presence has not been determined, the process 500 may returnto decision block 504, to initiate the user presence determination,e.g., after a determined time period. If the user presence has beendetermined, at block 506 the control module may cause the chargingcurrent to increase, enabling a turbo charging mode of the wirelesscharging apparatus. Subsequently, the process 500 may return to decisionblock 504.

FIG. 6 is an example process flow diagram for power level adjustment ofa wireless charging apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. Theprocess 600 may comport with some of the apparatus embodiments describedin reference to FIGS. 1-2. In alternate embodiments, the process 600 maybe practiced with more or fewer operations, or a different order of theoperations. In embodiments, the process 600 may be implemented as acontrol module 130 of FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the process 600describes the operation of the control module 130 in relation to theproximity sensor 180 that may be disposed in the wireless chargingapparatus 100, as described in reference to FIGS. 1-2.

The process 600 may begin at block 602 and include polling of theproximity sensor 180 of FIG. 2 for the output signal (e.g., signalPS_serv_req described in reference to FIG. 2).

At block 604, the process 600 may include sensing capacitance (C) of theproximity sensor 180, in response to a receipt of the output signal fromthe proximity sensor 180.

At block 606, the process 600 may include computing change incapacitance that may occur in response to a presence of human tissue tothe proximity sensor 180. For example, change in capacitance may becalculated as follows: Capacitance ΔC=C(t+Δt)−C(t), where C(t+Δt) andC(t) are capacitance values in consecutive increments of time Δt.

At decision block 608, the process 600 may include determining whetherthe computed change in capacitance ΔC is above a threshold capacitanceΔC_(th) described in reference to FIG. 2.

If it is determined at block 608 that the computed change in capacitanceΔC is equal to or below the threshold capacitance ΔC_(th), this mayindicate that no human tissue has been detected by the proximity sensor180. Accordingly the process 600 may return to block 602.

If it is determined at block 608 that the computed change in capacitanceΔC is above the threshold capacitance ΔC_(th), this may indicate thathuman tissue has been detected by the proximity sensor 180. Accordingly,at block 610, the process may include polling time output ΔT (e.g., timefrom the detected proximity event), to determine whether apre-determined threshold time period ΔT_(th) has been reached. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, the control module 130 may receive inputsof a timer, indicated by signal System Clk.

At decision block 608, the process 600 may include determining whetherΔT>ΔT_(th), e.g., whether the threshold time period ΔT_(th) has beenreached.

Polling time output for a threshold time period ΔT_(th) may enableadaptive control of a charging power level provided by the wirelesscharging apparatus. More specifically, by monitoring the time lagbetween proximity events, the duration and magnitude of current used forcharging the Tx coil at a certain power level may be adaptivelycontrolled. For example, when a user may be in proximity to wirelesscharging apparatus (e.g., sitting at her desk) for longer than athreshold time period ΔT_(th), the user exposure to the electromagneticfield produced by the wireless charging apparatus may be limited byreducing the current driven into the Tx coil. Conversely, when the useris present at her desk while charging her electronic device for durationof time below the threshold time period ΔT_(th), the charging currentmay not need to be reduced.

If it is determined at block 612 that the threshold time period ΔT_(th)has not been reached, the process 600 may return to block 602, tocontinue monitoring the proximity sensor 180 output. To continue withabove example, if the user leaves her electronic device to charge andwalks away from it, the proximity sensor 180 may detect the absence ofthe user (human tissue) and either leave the charging current at thesame level (as described by the process 600), or increase the chargingcurrent, to enable the turbo charging mode described in reference toFIGS. 3-5.

If it is determined at block 612 that the threshold time period ΔT_(th)has been reached, at block 614 the charging current to Tx coil may bereduced to limit the radiated electromagnetic field to levels that maybe in compliance with the regulatory requirements, as described inreference to FIGS. 3-5.

At block 616 the process 600 may include resetting the timer to itsinitial value, after which the process 600 may return to block 602.

As described in reference to FIG. 1, information indicative of anenvironmental condition in relation to a wireless charging apparatus,such as the presence of human tissue in proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus (e.g., below a threshold) may be provided by variousheterogeneous sources of information distributed throughout the wirelesscharging apparatus and/or electronic device comprising the wirelesscharging system.

Accordingly, depending on the number of sources of information used, thecontrol module of the wireless charging apparatus may be configured withdifferent techniques for determination of an environmental condition,such as human tissue presence in proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus. In general, the presence of human tissue in proximity to thewireless charging apparatus that is below a threshold may be determinedbased on information that may indicate the presence of human tissue fromat least one of available sources of information. For example, thepresence of human tissue in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus102 that is below a threshold may be determined based on informationthat indicates the presence of human tissue provided by one of allavailable sources of information, or two of the available sources ofinformation, and so on. The determination of the presence of humantissue with highest probability may be made based on informationindicative of the presence of human tissue that may be provided by allavailable sources of information.

FIG. 7 is an example process flow diagram for determining a presence orabsence of an environmental condition in relation to a wireless chargingapparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. The process 700 maycomport with some of the apparatus embodiments described in reference toFIGS. 1-2. In alternate embodiments, the process 700 may be practicedwith more or fewer operations, or a different order of the operations.In embodiments, the process 700 may be implemented as a control module130 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The process 700 may begin at block 702, and include receiving humantissue presence-related information from multiple sources distributedbetween the wireless charging apparatus and electronic device of thewireless charging system described in reference to FIG. 1.

At block 704, the process 700 may include analyzing information providedby the multiple sources. For example, the control module may calculatecapacitance provided by the proximity sensor as described in referenceto FIGS. 2 and 6. The control module may further analyze indications ofhuman tissue presence (or absence) provided by various sources, such asIR sensor (e.g., change in IR radiation due to human presence), camera(e.g., camera manipulations by the user), audio (e.g., user's voicecaptured by a microphone), user interaction with the electronic devicecaptured by the user interaction detection component, and/or electronicdevice's motion associated with the user's manipulations, as describedin reference to FIG. 1.

At decision block 706, the process 700 may determine whether at leastone of the available sources provided information that may indicate userpresence in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus (e.g., for atime period as described in reference to FIG. 6).

If at least one of the available sources provided information thatindicates user presence in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus,at block 708 the process 700 may include making a resolution that humantissue is present in proximity to wireless charging apparatus. If noneof the available sources provided information that indicates userpresence in proximity to the wireless charging apparatus, at block 708the process 700 may include making a resolution that human tissue is notpresent in proximity to wireless charging apparatus. The process 700 mayreturn to block 702 after the resolutions of block 708 or 710 have beenmade.

FIG. 8 is an example computing device 800 suitable to be configured asthe apparatuses of FIGS. 1-7 in accordance with various embodiments. Insome embodiments, various components of the example computing device 800may be used to configure components of the wireless charging system 100,for example, the wireless charging apparatus 102 or electronic device150 of FIG. 1. For illustration purposes, some of the components of theelectronic device 150 of FIG. 1 that may comprise the computing device800 are shown in boxes indicated with dashed lines, and some of thecomponents of the wireless charging apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 that maycomprise the computing device 800 are shown in boxes indicated with fulllines.

As shown, computing device 800 may include one or more processors orprocessor cores 802 and system memory 804. For the purpose of thisapplication, including the claims, the terms “processor” and “processorcores” may be considered synonymous, unless the context clearly requiresotherwise. The processor 802 may include any type of processors, such asa central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and the like. Theprocessor 802 may be implemented as an integrated circuit havingmulti-cores, e.g., a multi-core microprocessor. The computing device 800may include mass storage devices 806 (such as solid state drives,volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and soforth)). In general, system memory 804 and/or mass storage devices 806may be temporal and/or persistent storage of any type, including, butnot limited to, volatile and non-volatile memory, optical, magnetic,and/or solid state mass storage, and so forth. Volatile memory mayinclude, but is not limited to, static and/or dynamic random-accessmemory. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to,electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, phase changememory, resistive memory, and so forth. System memory 804 and/or massstorage devices 806 may include respective copies of programminginstructions configured to perform operations related to wirelesscharging system 100, for example, collectively denoted as computationallogic 822.

The computing device 800 may further include input/output (I/O) devices808 (such as a display, soft keyboard, touch sensitive screen, imagecapture device, and so forth) and communication interfaces 810 (such asnetwork interface cards, modems, infrared receivers, radio receivers(e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, WiFi, 4G/6G Long-TermEvolution (LTE), and so forth)), including PTU SRCU 136 and PRU SRCU 176described in reference to FIG. 1.

The communication interfaces 810 may include communication chips (notshown) that may be configured to operate the device 800 in accordancewith a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General PacketRadio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS),High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolved HSPA (E-HSPA), or Long-TermEvolution (LTE) network. The communication chips may also be configuredto operate in accordance with Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE),GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial RadioAccess Network (UTRAN), or Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN). The communicationchips may be configured to operate in accordance with Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), DigitalEnhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Evolution-Data Optimized(EV-DO), derivatives thereof, as well as any other wireless protocolsthat are designated as 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond. The communicationinterfaces 810 may operate in accordance with other wireless protocolsin other embodiments.

In embodiments, the computing device 800 may comprise the wirelesscharging apparatus 102. For example, the computing device 800 mayinclude the proximity sensor 180, control module 130 (e.g., as part ofthe computational logic 822), and PTU SRCU 136 as a part ofcommunication interfaces 810. The computing device may further includeother components of the apparatus 102, such as, for example, a chargingmodule 120, Tx coil 126, and other components 122.

In some embodiments, the wireless charging apparatus 102 may becommunicatively coupled with the electronic device 150 implemented ascomputing device 800 described herein. As shown, the computing device800 may include camera 162, IR sensor 164, rotational sensor 166, userinteraction detection component 168, control module 172, sensor hub 170,as well as power supply module 154 coupled with the Rx coil 152.

The above-described computing device 800's elements may be coupled toeach other via system bus 812, which may represent one or more buses. Inthe case of multiple buses, they may be bridged by one or more busbridges (not shown). Each of these elements may perform its conventionalfunctions known in the art. In particular, system memory 804 and massstorage devices 806 may be employed to store a working copy and apermanent copy of the programming instructions implementing theoperations associated with the wireless charging system 100, such as thecontrol module 130 of FIG. 1. The various elements may be implemented byassembler instructions supported by processor(s) 802 or high-levellanguages that may be compiled into such instructions.

The permanent copy of the programming instructions of computationallogic 822 may be placed into mass storage devices 806 in the factory, orin the field, through, for example, a distribution medium (not shown),such as a compact disc (CD), or through communication interface 810(from a distribution server (not shown)).

The number, capability, and/or capacity of the elements 808, 810, 812may vary, depending on whether computing device 800 is used as astationary computing device, such as a set-top box, desktop computer, acharging pad, or a mobile computing device, such as a tablet computingdevice, laptop computer, game console, or smartphone. Theirconstitutions are otherwise known, and accordingly will not be furtherdescribed.

At least one of processors 802 may be packaged together with memoryhaving computational logic 822 configured to practice aspects ofembodiments described in reference to FIGS. 1-4. For one embodiment, atleast one of processors 802 may be packaged together with memory havingcomputational logic 822 configured to practice aspects of process 500 ofFIG. 5 to form a System in Package (SiP) or a System on Chip (SoC). Forat least one embodiment, the SoC may be utilized in, e.g., but notlimited to, a computing device, such as external device 120 of FIG. 1.In another embodiment, the SoC may be utilized to form the wirelesscharging system 100 of FIG. 1.

In various implementations, the computing device 800 may comprise alaptop, a netbook, a notebook, an ultrabook, a smartphone, a tablet, anultra-mobile PC, a mobile phone, or a wearable device. In furtherimplementations, the computing device 800 may be any other electronicdevice that processes data.

Example 1 is a wireless charging apparatus for charging an electronicdevice, comprising: a charging module to radiate an electromagneticfield, to wirelessly charge an electronic device in proximity to thewireless charging apparatus; and a control module communicativelycoupled with the charging module, to adjust a power level of theelectromagnetic field, radiated by the charging module, in response to adetermination of an environmental condition in relation to the wirelesscharging apparatus, wherein the control module is to receive informationindicative of the environmental condition from multiple sources, andmake the determination based at least in part on the receivedinformation.

Example 2 may include the subject matter of Example 1, wherein thecharging module is to radiate an electromagnetic field at a first powerlevel, wherein to receive the information indicative of theenvironmental condition from the multiple sources includes to receiveinformation from at least one sensor, wherein the environmentalcondition comprises a presence of human tissue in proximity to thewireless charging apparatus; and wherein the control module to adjust apower level of the electromagnetic field includes to: determine, basedat least in part on the received information, whether the human tissueis present in the proximity to the wireless charging apparatus that isbelow a threshold distance; and cause the charging module to switch theradiation of the electromagnetic field from the first power level to asecond power level or keep the radiation substantially at the firstpower level, based at least in part on a result of the determination.

Example 3 may include the subject matter of Example 2, wherein the atleast one sensor is a proximity sensor disposed in the wireless chargingapparatus, to provide an output signal that indicates the proximity ofhuman tissue to the wireless charging apparatus that is below thethreshold distance, to the control module.

Example 4 may include the subject matter of Example 3, wherein thecharging module comprises circuitry to operate the radiation ofelectromagnetic field, wherein the circuitry includes: an induction coilto radiate the electromagnetic field; a power amplifier coupled with theinduction to control current provided to the induction coil to radiatethe electromagnetic field; and logic coupled with the proximity sensorand power amplifier, to control the power amplifier, in response to aprovision of the output signal by the proximity sensor to the controlmodule.

Example 5 may include the subject matter of Example 2, wherein thesensor is a proximity sensor disposed in the electronic device, toprovide an output signal that indicates proximity of human tissue to theelectronic device that is below a user-to-electronic device thresholddistance, to the control module, wherein the electronic device is tocommunicate to the wireless charging apparatus information thatindicates a presence of the electronic device in proximity to thewireless charging apparatus.

Example 6 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 5,wherein the multiple sources include at least some of: a camera, aproximity sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a rotational sensor, or auser interaction detection component to detect user activity on theelectronic device, wherein the multiple sources are distributed betweenthe wireless charging apparatus and the electronic device.

Example 7 may include the subject matter of Example 6, wherein theproximity sensor is disposed in the wireless charging apparatus, andwherein the IR sensor, the camera, and the component to detect useractivity are disposed in the electronic device.

Example 8 may include the subject matter of Example 2, wherein thecontrol module is to determine that the human tissue is present at adistance to the wireless charging apparatus that is below the thresholddistance, and wherein to cause the charging module to switch theradiation from the first power level to a second power level or keep theradiation substantially at the first power level includes to switch theradiation to the second power level, wherein the second power level islower than the first power level, and wherein the second power level iswithin a power range mandated by a governmental regulatory agency forelectronic devices.

Example 9 may include the subject matter of Example 8, wherein thecontrol module is to further determine that the human tissue is presentat the distance to the wireless charging apparatus that is below thethreshold distance for a period of time that is greater than an exposuretime threshold.

Example 10 may include the subject matter of Example 8, wherein thecontrol module to determine that the human tissue is present at adistance to the wireless charging apparatus that is below the thresholddistance includes to: analyze the received information; determine thatinformation received from at least one of the multiple sources indicatesthe presence of human tissue in the proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus that is below the threshold distance; and resolve, in responseto the determination, that human tissue is present in the proximity tothe wireless charging apparatus that is below a threshold distance.

Example 11 may include the subject matter of Example 2, wherein thecontrol module is to determine that the human tissue is not present at adistance to the wireless charging apparatus that is below the thresholddistance, wherein the second power level that is greater than or equalto the first power level.

Example 12 is an electronic device, comprising: a plurality of sensorsto detect indications of an environmental condition in relation to theelectronic device; and an electronic device control module to: collect,from the plurality of sensors, information indicative of theenvironmental condition in relation to the electronic device; detect apresence of a wireless charging apparatus proximate to the electronicdevice; and provide the collected information to the wireless chargingapparatus in response to the detection of presence of the wirelesscharging apparatus proximate to the electronic device, wherein theelectronic device is to receive adjusted levels of charging power fromthe wireless charging apparatus in response to the provision of thecollected information.

Example 13 may include the subject matter of Example 12, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises a presence of human tissue inproximity to the electronic device, wherein the plurality of sensorsinclude two or more selected from: infrared (IR) sensor, rotationalsensor, or a camera, wherein the electronic device further includes auser interaction detection component to detect user activity on theelectronic device.

Example 14 may include the subject matter of Example 13, wherein thecontrol module is to collect, from the plurality of sensors, informationthat indicates the presence of human tissue in the proximity to theelectronic device, on a continuous or periodic basis, wherein thecontrol module is further to collect user activity information from theuser interaction detection component, and wherein the control module toprovide the collected information to the wireless charging apparatusincludes to provide user activity information.

Example 15 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 12 to 14,wherein the electronic device is a mobile device.

Example 16 is a method of charging an electronic device, comprising:receiving, at a control module of a wireless charging apparatus, frommultiple sources, information indicative of an environmental conditionin relation to the wireless charging apparatus; determining, by thecontrol module, based at least in part on the received information,whether the environmental condition is present in relation to thewireless charging apparatus; and adjusting, by the control module, basedat least in part on a result of the determining, a power level ofelectromagnetic field radiated by the wireless charging apparatus.

Example 17 may include the subject matter of Example 16, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises a presence of human tissue inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus, wherein determiningwhether the environmental condition is present in relation to thewireless charging apparatus includes determining, by the control module,that the human tissue is present in the proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus that is below a threshold distance, for a period oftime that is greater than an exposure time threshold, and whereinadjusting a power level includes switching, by the control module, thepower level from a first power level to a second power level is lowerthan the first power level, wherein the second power level is within apower range mandated by a governmental regulatory agency for electronicdevices.

Example 18 may include the subject matter of Example 16, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises a presence of human tissue inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus, wherein determiningwhether the environmental condition is present in relation to thewireless charging apparatus includes resolving, by the control module,that the human tissue is not present in the proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus that is below a threshold distance, wherein adjustinga power level includes switching, by the control module, the power levelfrom a first power level to a second power level is greater than thefirst power level or keeping the power level substantially at the firstpower level.

Example 19 may include the subject matter of Example 17, whereindetermining that the human tissue is present in the proximity to thewireless charging apparatus that is below a threshold distance includes:analyzing, by the control module, the received information; determining,by the control module, that information received from at least one ofthe multiple sources indicates the presence of human tissue in theproximity to wireless charging apparatus that is below the thresholddistance; and resolving, by the control module, in response to thedetermining, that human tissue is present in the proximity to thewireless charging apparatus that is below the threshold distance.

Example 20 is one or more non-transitory computing device-readable mediahaving instructions for charging an electronic device stored thereonthat, in response to execution on a wireless charging apparatus, causethe wireless charging apparatus to: receive, from multiple sources,information indicative of an environmental condition in relation to thewireless charging apparatus; determine, based at least in part on thereceived information, whether the environmental condition is present inrelation to the wireless charging apparatus; and adjust, based at leastin part on a result of the determination, a power level ofelectromagnetic field radiated by the wireless charging apparatus.

Example 21 may include the subject matter of Example 20, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises a presence of human tissue inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus, wherein the instructionsthat cause the wireless charging apparatus to determine whether theenvironmental condition is present in relation to the wireless chargingapparatus further cause the wireless charging apparatus to determinethat the human tissue is present in the proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus that is below a threshold distance, for a period oftime that is greater than exposure time threshold, wherein theinstructions that cause the wireless charging apparatus to adjust apower level of electromagnetic field further cause the wireless chargingapparatus to switch the power level from a first power level to a secondpower level is lower than the first power level, wherein the secondlevel is within a power range mandated by a governmental regulatoryagency for electronic devices.

Example 22 may include the subject matter of Example 20, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises a presence of human tissue inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus, wherein the instructionsthat cause the wireless charging apparatus to determine whether theenvironmental condition is present in relation to the wireless chargingapparatus further cause the wireless charging apparatus to determinethat the human tissue is not present in the proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus that is below a threshold distance, wherein theinstructions that cause the wireless charging apparatus to adjust apower level of electromagnetic field further cause the wireless chargingapparatus to switch the power level from a first power level to a secondpower level is greater than the first power level or to keep the powerlevel substantially at the first power level.

Example 23 may include the subject matter of any of Examples 20 to 22,wherein the electronic device is a mobile device, and wherein thewireless charging apparatus is a wireless charging pad.

Example 24 is an apparatus for charging an electronic device,comprising: means for receiving, from multiple sources, informationindicative of an environmental condition in relation to the wirelesscharging apparatus; means for determining, based at least in part on thereceived information, whether the environmental condition is present inrelation to the wireless charging apparatus; and means for adjusting,based at least in part on a result of the determining, a power level ofelectromagnetic field radiated by the wireless charging apparatus.

Example 25 may include the subject matter of Example 24, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises a presence of human tissue inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus, wherein means fordetermining whether the environmental condition is present in relationto the wireless charging apparatus includes means for determining thatthe human tissue is present in the proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus that is below a threshold distance, for a period of time thatis greater than an exposure time threshold, and wherein means foradjusting a power level includes means for switching the power levelfrom a first power level to a second power level is lower than the firstpower level, wherein the second power level is within a power rangemandated by a governmental regulatory agency for electronic devices.

Example 26 may include the subject matter of Example 24, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises a presence of human tissue inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus, wherein means fordetermining whether the environmental condition is present in relationto the wireless charging apparatus includes means for resolving that thehuman tissue is not present in the proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus that is below a threshold distance, wherein means foradjusting a power level includes means for switching the power levelfrom a first power level to a second power level is greater than thefirst power level or keeping the power level substantially at the firstpower level.

Example 27 may include the subject matter of Example 25, wherein meansfor determining that the human tissue is present in the proximity to thewireless charging apparatus that is below a threshold distance includes:means for analyzing the received information; means for determining thatinformation received from at least one of the multiple sources indicatesthe presence of human tissue in the proximity to wireless chargingapparatus that is below the threshold distance; and means for resolving,in response to the determining, that human tissue is present in theproximity to the wireless charging apparatus that is below the thresholddistance.

Various operations are described as multiple discrete operations inturn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the claimedsubject matter. However, the order of description should not beconstrued as to imply that these operations are necessarily orderdependent. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented intoa system using any suitable hardware and/or software to configure asdesired.

Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described hereinfor purposes of description, a wide variety of alternate and/orequivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the samepurposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and describedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thisapplication is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of theembodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended thatembodiments described herein be limited only by the claims and theequivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless charging apparatus for charging anelectronic device, comprising: a proximity sensor disposed in thewireless charging apparatus, to provide an output signal that indicatesthe proximity of human tissue to the wireless charging apparatus; acharging module to radiate an electromagnetic field, to wirelesslycharge an electronic device in proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus, wherein the charging module includes: an induction coil toradiate the electromagnetic field; a power amplifier coupled with theinduction coil to control current provided to the induction coil toradiate the electromagnetic field; and a logic gate coupled with theproximity sensor and power amplifier, to control the power amplifier;and a control module communicatively coupled with the charging moduleand proximity sensor wherein the control module is to generate, inresponse to the output signal received from the proximity sensor, afirst control signal to be provided to a first input of the logic gate,wherein a second control signal to be provided to a second input of thelogic gate is dependent on a state of the proximity sensor output signaland is to enable the power amplifier to control a charging current ofthe induction coil, to radiate the electromagnetic field to charge theelectronic device.
 2. The wireless charging apparatus of claim 1,wherein the charging module is to radiate an electromagnetic field at afirst power level, wherein the control module is to adjust a power levelof the electromagnetic field, which includes to: determine, based atleast in part on the received output signal, whether the human tissue ispresent in the proximity to the wireless charging apparatus that isbelow a threshold distance; and cause the charging module to switchradiation of the electromagnetic field from the first power level to asecond power level or keep the radiation substantially at the firstpower level, based at least in part on a result of the determination. 3.The wireless charging apparatus of claim 2, wherein the control moduleis to receive information from multiple sources that include at leastsome of: a camera, an infrared (IR) sensor, a rotational sensor, or auser interaction detection component to detect user activity on theelectronic device, wherein the multiple sources are distributed betweenthe wireless charging apparatus and the electronic device.
 4. Thewireless charging apparatus of claim 3, wherein the IR sensor, thecamera, and the component to detect user activity are disposed in theelectronic device.
 5. The wireless charging apparatus of claim 3,wherein the control module is to determine that the human tissue ispresent at a distance to the wireless charging apparatus that is belowthe threshold distance, and to switch the radiation to the second powerlevel, wherein the second power level is lower than the first powerlevel, and wherein the second power level is within a power rangemandated by a governmental regulatory agency for electronic devices. 6.The wireless charging apparatus of claim 5, wherein the control moduleis to further determine that the human tissue is present at the distanceto the wireless charging apparatus that is below the threshold distancefor a period of time that is greater than an exposure time threshold. 7.The wireless charging apparatus of claim 5, wherein the control moduleto determine that the human tissue is present at a distance to thewireless charging apparatus that is below the threshold distanceincludes to: determine that the information received from at least oneof the multiple sources indicates the presence of human tissue in theproximity to the wireless charging apparatus that is below the thresholddistance.
 8. The wireless charging apparatus of claim 2, wherein thecontrol module is to determine that the human tissue is not present at adistance to the wireless charging apparatus that is below the thresholddistance, wherein the second power level is greater than or equal to thefirst power level.
 9. An electronic device, comprising: a plurality ofsensors to detect indications of an environmental condition in relationto the electronic device, wherein the environmental condition comprisesa presence of human tissue in proximity to the electronic device; and anelectronic device control module that includes a user interactiondetection component to detect user activity on the electronic device,wherein the control module is to: collect, from the plurality ofsensors, information that indicates the presence of human tissue in theproximity to the electronic device, on a continuous or periodic basis;collect user activity information from the user interaction detectioncomponent; detect a presence of a wireless charging apparatus proximateto the electronic device; and provide the collected information,including user activity information, to the wireless charging apparatusin response to the detection of the presence of the wireless chargingapparatus proximate to the electronic device, wherein the plurality ofsensors include two or more selected from: infrared (IR) sensor,rotational sensor, or a camera, wherein the electronic device is toreceive adjusted levels of charging power from the wireless chargingapparatus in response to the provision of the collected information. 10.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the electronic device is amobile device.
 11. A method of charging an electronic device,comprising: receiving, by a control module of a wireless chargingapparatus, from a proximity sensor disposed in the wireless chargingapparatus, an output signal indicative of presence of human tissue inproximity to the wireless charging apparatus for a period of time thatis greater than an exposure time threshold; determining, by the controlmodule, the presence of human tissue in proximity to the wirelesscharging apparatus for the period of time that is greater than theexposure time threshold; and adjusting, by the control module, a powerlevel of electromagnetic field radiated by the wireless chargingapparatus, including: generating, in response to the output signalreceived from the proximity sensor, a first control signal to beprovided to a first input of a logic gate of a charging module coupledwith the control module, wherein the charging module further includes aninduction coil to radiate the electromagnetic field; a power amplifiercoupled with the induction coil to control current provided to theinduction coil to radiate the electromagnetic field, wherein the logicgate is coupled with the proximity sensor and power amplifier; andproviding a second control signal to a second input of the logic gate,based at least in part on a state of the proximity sensor output signal,to enable the power amplifier to control a charging current of theinduction coil, to radiate the electromagnetic field to charge theelectronic device.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:determining, by the control module, that the human tissue is present inthe proximity to the wireless charging apparatus that is below athreshold distance, for the period of time that is greater than theexposure time threshold, and wherein adjusting a power level includesswitching, by the control module, the power level from a first powerlevel to a second power level is lower than the first power level,wherein the second power level is within a power range mandated by agovernmental regulatory agency for electronic devices.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: resolving, by the control module, that thehuman tissue is not present in the proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus that is below a threshold distance, wherein adjusting a powerlevel includes switching, by the control module, the power level from afirst power level to a second power level is greater than the firstpower level or keeping the power level substantially at the first powerlevel.
 14. One or more non-transitory computing device-readable mediahaving instructions for charging an electronic device stored thereonthat, in response to execution on a wireless charging apparatus, causethe wireless charging apparatus to: receive, from a proximity sensordisposed in the wireless charging apparatus, an output signal indicativeof a presence of human tissue in proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus for a period of time that is greater than an exposure timethreshold; determine the presence of human tissue in proximity to thewireless charging apparatus for the period of time that is greater thanthe exposure time threshold; and adjust, based at least in part on aresult of the determination, a power level of electromagnetic fieldradiated by the wireless charging apparatus, which includes: generate,in response to the output signal received from the proximity sensor, afirst control signal to be provided to a first input of a logic gate ofa charging module of the wireless charging apparatus, wherein thecharging module further includes an induction coil to radiate theelectromagnetic field; a power amplifier coupled with the induction coilto control current provided to the induction coil to radiate theelectromagnetic field, wherein the logic gate is coupled with theproximity sensor and power amplifier; and provide a second controlsignal to a second input of the logic gate, based at least in part on astate of the proximity sensor output signal, to enable the poweramplifier to control a charging current of the induction coil, toradiate the electromagnetic field to charge the electronic device. 15.The non-transitory computing device-readable media of claim 14, whereinthe instructions further cause the wireless charging apparatus todetermine that the human tissue is present in the proximity to thewireless charging apparatus that is below a threshold distance, for theperiod of time that is greater than the exposure time threshold, whereinthe instructions that cause the wireless charging apparatus to adjust apower level of electromagnetic field further cause the wireless chargingapparatus to switch the power level from a first power level to a secondpower level is lower than the first power level, wherein the secondpower level is within a power range mandated by a governmentalregulatory agency for electronic devices.
 16. The non-transitorycomputing device-readable media of claim 14, wherein the instructionsfurther cause the wireless charging apparatus to determine that thehuman tissue is not present in the proximity to the wireless chargingapparatus that is below a threshold distance, wherein the instructionsthat cause the wireless charging apparatus to adjust a power level ofthe electromagnetic field further cause the wireless charging apparatusto switch the power level from a first power level to a second powerlevel is greater than the first power level or to keep the power levelsubstantially at the first power level.
 17. The non-transitory computingdevice-readable media of claim 14, wherein the electronic device is amobile device, and wherein the wireless charging apparatus is a wirelesscharging pad.